By Milcah Tanimu
Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced the Federal Government’s commitment to combatting the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic by 2030 during the 2023 World AIDS Day (WAD) held on Friday in Abuja.
Highlighting the government’s dedication to ending AIDS, Akume emphasized the importance of state leadership in achieving sustainable HIV response in Nigeria. He unveiled the National Strategic Framework for 2023-2027, emphasizing its role as a crucial strategy for sustainability and country ownership of HIV.
Represented by Chris Tarkar, his Chief of Staff, Akume encouraged state governments to embrace the agenda, fostering ownership of a sustainable HIV response in Nigeria. Additionally, he disclosed that the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) collaborated with the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) to establish a N62 billion private sector-driven HIV/AIDS Trust Fund of Nigeria.
Akume urged the organized private sector to fulfill its pledge to support government efforts, envisioning a future where no child is born with HIV in Nigeria. He expressed gratitude to the United Nations, the United States of America, Global Funds, and communities for their support in addressing HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
Dr. Gambo Aliyu, the Director General of NACA, highlighted that the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for 2023-2027 was developed through a participatory and consultative process. The plan aims to strengthen the HIV response, facilitating the end of AIDS by 2030. Aliyu underscored the strategy’s focus on equitable access to HIV services, breaking down barriers to achieving positive outcomes. He emphasized the crucial role of community leadership in overcoming social, cultural, legal, and economic inequalities hindering progress in ending AIDS, including the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Recognizing the challenges associated with sustaining control efforts, Aliyu mentioned an alignment program initiated by the Nigerian government, the United States, UNAIDS, and the Global Fund. This program aims to ensure country ownership and sustainability of the national response beyond 2030.
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